When it comes to health, communication in French is more than a courtesy. Studies show measurable improvements in the health and well-being of patients when they receive health and social services in their chosen language. Among the tangible benefits:

• A feeling of confidence
• Reduced fear and anxiety
• The ability to express discomfort clearly
• Better understanding of medical information (diagnoses, prescriptions, treatments)
• Improved treatment results
• Greater medical safety
• A sense of calm
• A better overall experience
• A real positive impact on health

• The same key advantages apply to every member of your family. Each member, including children, will now have their own durable health card.
• Be sure to select French when applying for cards for your children. Their preferred language will be recorded in the centralized system, indicating their wish to receive services in French now and in the future. This helps the Department of Health continue to develop French-language services.

You can verify that this preference is recorded in your child’s medical file during your initial visits to each service point.

Health cards for children reaching the age of 18 are generated automatically by the system, but the system selects English as the preferred language by default.

To avoid this happening, apply for a durable health card replacement for yourself and your family members, and select French as the official language as soon as possible. This ensures that the card automatically generated for your child when they turn 18 will display French as the preferred language.

• Yes. If you are a newcomer to Manitoba applying for your first health card, you can choose French as your official language.
• This helps ensure that your needs for French-language health services are recognized.
• Choosing French also means affirming your identity and supporting the growth of services tailored to the French-speaking community.

If you are a health care professional, keep your eyes open. Manitobans applying for their new durable health card are now asked to indicate their preferred official language.

• If the word “French” appears on the card, it means your patient prefers to receive services in French. A greeting, a few words in French or a small gesture can make a big difference to the patient’s or client’s experience. In doing so, you help foster a relationship of trust and improve the quality of care, without necessarily adding to your workload.
• Be aware, however, that this language preference may not automatically be recorded in the patient’s electronic file. You can help make sure it is.
• Why actively offer health care services in French? It has been proven that offering health care in a patient’s own language creates trust, helps them express their symptoms clearly, improves understanding of medical information and leads to better treatment outcomes. It has a real and measurable effect on health.

You can request a replacement card at: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/update-requests/replacement-card.html.

When doing so, make sure to select French as your official language to update your preference.

If you notice an error such as an incorrect date of birth or name spelling, contact Manitoba Health Registration and Client Services directly to confirm that your new application will update your language profile in the centralized system.

📞204-786-7101 or 1-800-392-1207 (toll-free)

• You will continue to receive safe, professional and timely care.
• Choosing French simply helps staff understand you better.
• It will improve your experience and support the development of French-language services.